Shoot’s England Squad: Defenders

Defenders

Nathaniel Clyne:

After an impressive season for Southampton last year, Clyne not only earned himself a summer switch to English giants Liverpool, but also a call-up to the national team. Two clean sheets against Stoke and Bournemouth in the opening two games of the season proves that the 24-year-old is in fine form so we expect him to be named in the squad later this week.

Kyle Walker:

Kyle Walker also looks to be included in Roy’s selection after starting the opening three games for Tottenham this season. He is also an experienced England international having been a part of several squads in the past and gaining man-of-the-match in his first start back in 2011. Therefore he looks to be a useful addition to the team.

Gary Cahill:

With 36 appearances and three goals for England, there is no doubt that Gary Cahill will be one of the first names of Roy Hodgson’s list. Despite being left on the bench for Chelsea’s game at West Brom on the weekend and leaking three goals against Manchester City the week before, he has been a consistent performer for The Three Lions since 2010 and could well be in the starting 11 for the upcoming matches.

Phil Jagielka:

Jagielka is another who has been a prominent figure in the England team for some years. Particularly since John Terry retired from international football in 2012, Jagielka has often started alongside Cahill. He is not only a great defender, as has been proven this season in helping Everton keep a clean sheet away to Southampton, but also likes to attack the ball from corners and set-pieces so is a useful asset down both ends of the field.

John Stones:

John Stones is one of England’s up and coming talents and partners Jagielka at the back for Everton. He is highly rated, as can be seen by the fact Chelsea have had their eye on him throughout the summer. Stones, though only 21 and with four international appearance to his name, could well be in contention for a starting place, particularly due to the fact he has experience alongside Jagielka for Everton.

Chris Smalling:

Smalling has had a fantastic start to the season with Manchester United, playing every minute of their Premier League campaign so far and keeping three clean sheets out of three. He also played a crucial part in their Champions League qualifier against Club Brugge during the week so he is more than capable of competing at a high level, just as is required with England.

Luke Shaw:

Shaw is another player who has started brightly for Manchester United, just like Smalling. Though only four appearances for England under his belt, he already has Champions League experience this season and doesn’t really look to be challenged for the left-back spot in the national team now that Leighton Baines has been ruled out with injury for the foreseeable future.

Kieran Gibbs:

Like with the goalkeepers, there aren’t too many players to choose from in terms of the left-back spot in the England squad. Kieran Gibbs is one, however, who does have experience for the national team despite the fact he may not be playing regularly for Arsenal at the moment. He has been in and around the international squad since 2010 and come up against some formidable opponents for Arsenal over the years so looks to be a safe selection in Roy’s squad.

Midfielders…